Thornton, Diaz help Upper Lake JVs beat CSD

FREMONT -- Upper Lake High School quarterback Landon Thornton ran for two touchdowns and passed for two more on Friday as the Cougars blanked California School for the Deaf 34-0 in the North Central League II opener for both of these junior varsity football teams at Fremont.

Thornton completed 3 of 5 passes for 174 yards, the bulk of that going to wide receiver Stevie Diaz, who had two catches for 136 yards and two TDs.

Kyle Kennedy scored Upper Lake's other touchdown on a run.

The Cougars' defense also got a big lift from both Thornton, who had five unassisted tackles and four assists, and Diaz, who intercepted two passes. Adryan Thomas helped out with two sacks.

"Our passing game was definitely on target and we connected on some big plays to Stevie," Upper Lake coach Mike Smith said. "Stevie and Landon have developed a nice chemistry together."

On the solid play of the Upper Lake defense, Smith said, "The defense was once again outstanding. We have added some depth and we are rotating a lot of players that could easily start. The kids are working hard in practice and it is paying off."

Upper Lake (1-0 league, 2-1 overall) hosts Stellar Prep on noon Saturday. It's the first home game for the Cougars this season (an early home game against Middletown was canceled because of the Scotts Fire).